RALEIGH, N.C. — An 18-year-old charged in a devastating mass shooting that left five people dead in 2022 is set to plead guilty, his attorneys announced Tuesday. Austin Thompson, who was just 15 at the time of the attack, is avoiding a trial scheduled for next month, as he faces multiple murder charges, including the death of his own brother.
The legal team representing Thompson filed a notice in Wake County, stating that he intends to plead guilty to all charges against him. They explained that this decision comes from a desire to spare the community and victims from further trauma that a trial would bring. A hearing related to his plea was scheduled for Wednesday.
The shooting occurred on October 13, 2022, in Thompson’s Raleigh neighborhood. According to police reports, the teen shot his brother, 16-year-old James Thompson, before moving on to neighbors in the Hedingham community. Among the victims were off-duty Raleigh police Officer Gabriel Torres and two neighbors, Nicole Connors and Mary Marshall. Another individual sustained injuries but survived. Law enforcement apprehended Thompson after an hours-long standoff, during which a police officer was also wounded.
Thompson’s attorneys indicated that he continues to recovery from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, which resulted in a brain injury. They reported that while he cannot articulate the reasons for his actions, he acknowledges his involvement. Prosecutors have stated they plan to demonstrate that his behavior during the incident was particularly egregious.
He faces a total of five murder charges, as well as two counts of attempted murder and other related counts. Under North Carolina law, Thompson, being a minor at the time of the events, cannot receive the death penalty if convicted. However, a judge has the discretion to impose a life sentence without the possibility of parole or to allow parole eligibility after 25 years.
Lorrin Freeman, the Wake County District Attorney, acknowledged the plea notice and expressed her intent to proceed with the case, emphasizing her thoughts are with the victims’ families.
Thompson’s defense has mentioned that they may utilize arguments related to “diminished capacity” and claims of being under the influence of medication at the time of the shooting. This strategy aims to shed light on his mental state during the tragic event.
In a related development, Thompson’s father previously pleaded guilty to improperly storing a firearm found in their home, receiving a suspended sentence along with probation. Following the incident, investigators discovered a significant cache of firearms and ammunition at the Thompson residence.
As the case moves forward, Thompson’s lawyers hope that the sentencing hearing will offer some form of closure to the families affected by the violence.